Revealed in prototype form at the 1966 Turin Motor Show, the Ghibli bolstered Maserati’s reputation for fast, sleek, and sophisticated gran turismos. Featuring clean fastback lines penned by the great Giorgetto Giugiaro and executed by Carrozzeria Ghia, it was powered by Maserati’s proven 4.7-liter dual-overhead-cam dry sump V-8, fed by quad carburetors and producing 310 horsepower. It was mated to a five-speed ZF manual transmission. The Ghibli’s top speed was a stated 164.5 mph—fitting for a car that drew its name from a swift desert wind.

Maserati produced a total of 1,170 Ghibli and Ghibli SS coupes. According to factory documentation, this example was originally finished in Chiaro Celeste, and was reportedly delivered new to a jeweler in Milan, Italy. Records indicate that it was completed 12 March 1968, although it displays many notable early Ghibli characteristics—including a wrap-down style rear trunk lid, a feature discontinued relatively early in the production run, as well as a cockpit featuring desirable toggle-style dashboard switches and a small horn button (later cars used rocker switches and a larger, padded steering wheel center)—and it is titled as a 1967. Additional equipment includes power windows, air conditioning, and a Blaupunkt AM/FM radio.

The Ghibli arrived in the United States in the late 1970s and was eventually acquired by the Arizona-based consignor, himself a restorer, in 2001. A partially complete project, its engine had been rebuilt by Francorchamps of America in Newport Beach, California in 1989. The consignor totally stripped and refinished the car in its present Giallo Fly over black leather interior and finished the restoration using new-old stock components—including windshield, wiring harness, power steering system, steering wheel, and Borrani wire wheels—where possible. New Veglia instrumentation, appropriate for this chassis’ build date, was installed, and the approximately 1,620 km (~1,007 miles) displayed represents mileage accrued since the restoration’s completion approximately 14 years ago. A new master cylinder was installed January 2020.

In a testament to this Ghibli’s appeal, it has appeared at the Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance twice, where it was featured in the “Giallo” and Late Grand Touring classes, as well as the Concourso Italiano, the Palm Springs Concours d’Elegance, and others. Always carefully maintained, its high-quality restoration displays an attractive patina from gentle use; it would make an appealing addition to any stable. It is accompanied by tools and owner’s manuals, as well as historical and restoration documentation.